Page 95 of The Sinner: James

15

RAIN

It takesme several minutes to navigate a myriad of rooms and corridors washed in the morning light before heading downstairs and locating the dining room on the first floor.

Veronica greets me with a soft nod and shows me to the terrace, where a breakfast table styled with pressed linens and red flowers sits near the handrail.

James leans against the balustrade, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other holding his phone glued to his ear.

He wears a slim-fit, button-down white shirt, and tailored black pants with a sleek leather belt fastened with a silver-tone buckle.

The sun casts a bright light over his shoulders, adding depth to his dark-green eyes.

A smile creases his lips as I near him.

Holding his gaze, I round the table and stop in front of him.

He leans toward me slightly while I curl my arms around his neck and gently kiss his cheek.

His soft grin makes my heart flutter with excitement.

Cheeks burning, I tear away from him and take a seat.

“Okay… I’ll see you there,” he says on the phone before ending his conversation.

Locking my eyes briefly, he claims the second seat.

Spellbound, I drink him in.

“Are you going to eat or just stare at me?”

“I’ll eat, don’t worry...” I say, stealing another glance at him.

“I’ll be in New York tonight...” he says without much introduction. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

His words remind me that he is so much more than the man I shared the bed with last night.

“Okay,” I murmur, looking at my plate.

“Are you okay?”

“Mm-hmm,” I say without raising my eyes.

“Look at me, Rain.”

I tilt my head up.

“What’s the problem?”

“I, um… I can’t say.”

His smile dies out, a stern look sliding over his face. He clasps his fingers under his chin.

“I’m waiting,” he says.

I push my napkin to the side, weighing my words, and take a long breath before I speak.

“I want to get on a contraceptive, but I can’t see my family doctor or use my credit card without my family knowing about it.”

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